Key Takeaways
• Ontario International Airport celebrates ADA’s 35th anniversary on July 24, 2025, at Terminal 4 baggage claim.
• An $11 million accessibility upgrade began March 2025, including restroom renovations and TSA checkpoint expansion.
• Travelers with disabilities should plan ahead, arrive early, and use new service animal relief areas during construction.
Ontario International Airport is preparing to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) with a special event on July 24, 2025. This update provides a clear summary of what’s changing at The airport, who is affected, important dates, required actions for travelers, and the broader implications for people with disabilities. The information below will help travelers, families, and airport staff understand the latest developments, what to expect during ongoing construction, and how these changes support accessibility during Disability Pride Month and beyond.
Summary of What Changed
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is marking the 35th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act with a public celebration on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 10–11 a.m. in the Terminal 4 baggage claim area. This event, held during Disability Pride Month, highlights the ADA’s impact on air travel and ONT’s ongoing work to make travel easier for people with disabilities.
The airport is also in the middle of a large project to improve accessibility. This includes renovating restrooms, expanding the TSA checkpoint, and adding new technology to help travelers with disabilities. These changes are part of an $11 million project, supported by a $7 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Construction began in March 2025 and is expected to finish in fall 2026.
Who Is Affected
- Travelers with Disabilities: Anyone who uses a wheelchair, has limited mobility, is blind or has low vision, is deaf or hard of hearing, or has another disability will benefit from these improvements.
- Families and Caregivers: People traveling with family members who have disabilities will find the airport easier to use.
- Airport Staff and Airline Partners: Employees are receiving more training to better serve passengers with disabilities and to follow ADA rules.
- Service Animal Users: New “Barking Lots” provide relief areas for service animals, making travel more comfortable for those who rely on them.
Effective Dates
- Celebration Event: July 24, 2025, from 10–11 a.m. in Terminal 4 baggage claim area.
- Construction Timeline: March 2025 to fall 2026. Some restrooms and areas near security may be closed or rerouted during this time.
- Ongoing Upgrades: Communication systems, signage, and staff training are being updated throughout 2025 and 2026.
Required Actions for Travelers
If you are traveling through Ontario International Airport during this period, here’s what you need to do:
- Plan Ahead: Contact your airline before your trip to arrange wheelchair or other assistance if needed.
- Arrive Early: Get to the airport at least two hours before your airline’s recommended time to allow for extra time during construction and security.
- Follow Signs: Pay attention to posted signs for accessible routes and restrooms, especially since some areas may be closed for upgrades.
- Request Modifications: If you need a change to airport services or policies because of your disability, contact the ADA Coordinator or the relevant airport division. You do not need to provide medical paperwork, but you should explain your disability-related need.
- Use Service Animal Relief Areas: If you travel with a service animal, use the designated “Barking Lots” near Gate 210 in Terminal 2 and Gate 410 in Terminal 4.
- Contact for Help: If you have questions or need help, reach out to Lawrence J. Rolon, the ADA Coordinator, at [email protected] or visit the official ONT accessibility page.
Implications for Pending Applications and Ongoing Travel
Travelers who have already requested accommodations or who plan to travel during the construction period should expect some changes:
- Restroom Access: Some restrooms near security may be closed. Use family restrooms on the first floor or general restrooms past security as directed.
- Security Wait Times: Allow extra time for security screening, as construction may cause longer lines or rerouted paths.
- Assistance Services: Wheelchair and other assistance services remain available. Airlines are required by the ADA to provide these services from curbside to gate, including boarding and deplaning.
- Communication: New visual paging systems, large-font displays, and improved audible announcements are being installed to help travelers with different needs.
Detailed Overview of Accessibility Improvements
Ontario International Airport’s commitment to accessibility is clear in several key areas:
1. Infrastructure Upgrades
- Restroom Renovations: Both terminals are getting new, more accessible restrooms. Features include wider stalls, lower sinks, and easier-to-use doors and fixtures.
- TSA Checkpoint Expansion: The security area is being expanded to make it easier for travelers with disabilities to move through screening.
- Accessible Parking and Entrances: The airport offers accessible parking spaces, curb cuts (sloped areas for wheelchairs), and ramps at entrances.
- Elevators and Ticket Counters: Elevators are available in all terminals, and ticket counters are lowered for easier access.
2. Communication and Navigation
- Visual Paging Systems: High-contrast screens and large-font displays help travelers with low vision or hearing loss get important information.
- Audible Announcements: Improved speakers and clearer announcements help those who are blind or have low vision.
- Upgraded Signage: New signs make it easier to find accessible routes, restrooms, and services.
3. Service Animal Relief Areas
- “Barking Lots”: These are special areas for service animals to relieve themselves. They are located near Gate 210 in Terminal 2 and Gate 410 in Terminal 4. These areas are easy to find and use.
4. Wheelchair and Mobility Assistance
- Standard Service: All airlines at ONT must provide wheelchair assistance from curbside to gate, including help with boarding and getting off the plane.
- How to Request: Contact your airline before your trip or ask for help at the airport. You can also contact the ADA Coordinator for special requests.
5. Staff Training and Non-Discrimination
- Regular Workshops: Airport staff and airline partners attend training sessions to learn about ADA rules and how to better serve travelers with disabilities.
- Non-Discrimination Policy: The airport follows strict rules to make sure no one is treated unfairly because of a disability.
6. Reasonable Modifications
- Flexible Policies: If you need a change to a policy or service because of your disability, you can ask for it. You do not need to show medical records—just explain your need.
- How to Request: Contact the ADA Coordinator or the airport division in charge of the service you need changed.
Background and Historical Context
The Americans With Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This law made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in public places, including airports. Over the past 35 years, the ADA has led to big changes in how airports like Ontario International Airport serve travelers.
ONT has made steady progress since the ADA became law. Improvements include better building access, more accessible restrooms, and regular staff training. The current upgrades are the latest step in making the airport even more welcoming.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
The ADA requires airports to make their terminals accessible. This means:
- Physical Access: Ramps, elevators, accessible parking, and restrooms must be available.
- Communication Access: Information must be available in ways that work for people with different disabilities, such as large print, braille, or audio.
- Service Access: Wheelchair help, service animal relief areas, and flexible policies must be in place.
- No Extra Cost: These services must be provided at no extra charge to travelers with disabilities.
The ongoing construction at Ontario International Airport is a direct response to these requirements. The airport is not only following the law but also working to set a higher standard for accessibility.
Expert and Community Perspectives
Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, has said that the ADA has “elevated expectations and outcomes across air travel” and that ONT will “continue to invest in an airport experience that serves all travelers with dignity and care.” This shows the airport’s strong commitment to accessibility.
Disability advocates recognize ONT’s efforts but also point out that there is still work to do. Some call for stronger rules and better enforcement to make sure all airports meet the needs of travelers with disabilities.
Future Outlook and Pending Changes
- Completion of Upgrades: The current construction is set to finish in fall 2026. After that, travelers can expect shorter wait times, easier navigation, and better restroom access.
- Ongoing Training: Staff will keep getting training to stay up to date on best practices.
- New Technology: The airport will continue to invest in new ways to make travel easier for everyone.
Step-by-Step Procedures for Travelers with Disabilities
- Before You Arrive:
- Contact your airline to arrange wheelchair or other help.
- Email the ADA Coordinator at [email protected] for special requests.
- At the Airport:
- Arrive early—at least two hours before your airline’s recommended time.
- Look for signs showing accessible routes and restrooms.
- Use family restrooms on the first floor or general restrooms past security if others are closed.
- During Construction:
- Follow posted directions for detours and closed areas.
- Allow extra time for security and getting to your gate.
- Requesting Modifications:
- Contact the ADA Coordinator or the airport division in charge of the service.
- Explain your disability-related need; no medical paperwork is needed.
- Service Animals:
- Use the “Barking Lots” near Gate 210 (Terminal 2) and Gate 410 (Terminal 4).
Key Contacts and Resources
- ADA Coordinator: Lawrence J. Rolon, [email protected], 1923 E. Avion Street, Ontario, CA 91761
- Official ONT Accessibility Information: flyontario.com/ada
- General Airport Information: flyontario.com
- Event Updates and News: Follow @flyONT on social media or subscribe to the ONT newsletter.
Official Government Resource
For more information about the Americans With Disabilities Act and your rights as a traveler, visit the official ADA.gov website. This site offers detailed information about the law, your rights, and how to file a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that Ontario International Airport’s ongoing upgrades and strong focus on ADA compliance set a positive example for other airports across the United States 🇺🇸. These changes not only meet legal requirements but also show a real commitment to making travel better for everyone, especially during Disability Pride Month.
Actionable Takeaways
- If you are traveling through Ontario International Airport between March 2025 and fall 2026, plan ahead and allow extra time.
- Contact your airline and the ADA Coordinator for any special needs or requests.
- Use the airport’s official website and ADA page for the latest updates and resources.
- Remember, you have the right to accessible services and facilities under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
- If you have concerns or need help, reach out to the ADA Coordinator or visit ADA.gov for more information.
These steps will help ensure a smoother, more comfortable travel experience for all passengers, especially those with disabilities, as Ontario International Airport continues to improve accessibility and celebrate the legacy of the ADA during Disability Pride Month and beyond.
Learn Today
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) → A 1990 law protecting rights of individuals with disabilities in public facilities, including airports.
TSA Checkpoint → Security screening area where travelers pass safety checks before boarding flights.
Service Animal Relief Areas → Designated airport zones where service animals can relieve themselves comfortably.
ADA Coordinator → Airport official responsible for handling accessibility requests and ensuring ADA compliance.
Visual Paging Systems → High-contrast, large-font displays to assist travelers with low vision or hearing impairments.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ontario International Airport honors ADA’s 35th anniversary with a July 2025 event and $11 million upgrades. Renovations improve accessibility with better restrooms, expanded TSA checkpoints, visual paging, and service animal relief areas. Travelers with disabilities must plan ahead due to construction lasting until fall 2026, enhancing travel comfort and inclusion.
— By VisaVerge.com
